Suicide support on hand for Rotorua families

New support is available for families in Rotorua who are affected by suicide.

The Lakes District Health Board has launched a year-long pilot project which will ensure family are offered relevant support for a year after a suicide.

Suicide Prevention co-ordinator for the Lakes district Christine Priestley said those who were bereaved by suicide might be at increased risk of committing suicide themselves.

Suicide bereavement could differ from other types of mourning.

The health board will be working with local agencies which can provide the right range of clinical and counselling support required.

Mrs Priestley said the lead agency would be available to families to discuss immediate needs and issues arising in the weeks and months following the bereavement.

"Following a suicide and in liaison with the health and Victim Support a lead agency will be appointed to work with family/whanau, if the family members wish to do this."

Ms Priestley said a plan would be made with family/whanau to support and help to ensure the identified needs were met.

The needs and issues that arise in the wider family/whanau members and immediate community will also be considered.

Waiariki MP for Waiariki Te Ururoa Flavell said the pilot scheme was a good step towards tackling the issue.

"The grief that follows the death of a whanau member in this manner is terrible.

"These families should not have to deal with such anguish on their own.

"For some families the pain can never be relieved without the right help and support.

"It is vital that as whanau, hapu and iwi we start to learn more about how we can support each other, to step in when needed, and provide the practical assistance that keeps us strong and well."